Asthma is a chronic lung disease that, left untreated, can be very serious or even fatal, says the American Lung Association. This condition can develop at any age; some people develop asthma as a child, and others do not develop it until adulthood. There is no cure for asthma, but the goals of treatment include managing symptoms and preventing asthma attacks.
Significance
According to the American Lung Association, 23 million Americans suffer from asthma, with seven million of those individuals being children. Asthma can be caused by a variety of things, including genetics, allergies, respiratory infections and environmental factors like pollutants. The American Lung Association says environmental factors especially are thought to play a role in adult-onset asthma.
Features
Asthma causes the lungs to become swollen and inflamed, as well as makes them very sensitive to allergens. A "trigger" is something that causes the asthma to flare up, and can include changes in weather, pet hair, pollen and dust; when a trigger is breathed in, the airways start producing extra mucus and swell to an even greater degree, making the airway very small. The muscles surrounding the airways may tighten, further preventing airflow. This is called an asthma attack.
Medications
Asthma is often treated with prescription medications, as it helps control symptoms and can help prevent asthma attacks. Long-term control medications are usually taken daily and can help lessen airway inflammation and reduce symptoms, says the Mayo Clinic. Examples of these medications include inhaled corticosteroids like Flovent and Pulmicort; leukotriene modifiers like Singulair; long-acting beta agonists, which are typically combined with corticosteroids; combination inhalers such as Advair and Simbicort; and a daily pill called theophylline. Quick-relief medications are used to stop an asthma attack and include short-acting beta agonists like albuterol, and oral or intravenous corticosteroids.
Allergy-Induced Asthma Treatment
If asthma is caused by or made worse by allergies, allergy shots are typically used. This involves getting shots once a week for a period of time, and then once a month for three to five years, according to the Mayo Clinic. This lessens the body's response to an assortment of allergens. Xolair is a medication used for severe asthma that is worsened by allergies and is administered intravenously.
Long-Term Management
The University of Maryland Medical Center suggests an asthma action plan for patients that details what to do in case of an asthma attack or flare-up, as well as a schedule of medications to take to help control symptoms and manage the disease. Peak flow monitoring helps determine lung functioning and can help the doctor manage the asthma more effectively by recording any symptoms or irritants. Knowing what triggers the asthma attacks and avoiding those triggers can help reduce the risk of asthma symptoms.
